How to Treat and Prevent Joint Pain in the Winter

by Kevin Smith Author

As the colder weather rolls in it can mean significant join pain for those with and without specific health conditions. Here are some ways to prevent and treat aching joints.

Cause

There are a few ways that colder weather can bring added aches and pains to the joints in the body. One way is that there is less blood flow and circulation to these areas which can cause stiffness. The body tries to conserve heat in the winter, so it prioritizes, by sending blood to the vital organs (heart, lungs) first and the extremities last. Less blood flow means constricting blood vessels and more pain in the joints than in the warmer months.

Another possible reason is that the change in barometric pressure causes the nerves in the joints to become inflamed and more sensitive.

Prevent

Luckily, preventing joint pain in the winter is as simple as keeping the joints warm, inside and out. You can warm up the joints from the inside by doing stretches, staying active, and eating an anti-inflammatory diet. Staying active is not only beneficial short-term by keeping the joints moving, but long-term as well to help maintain a healthy body weight. This is especially helpful for the knees, where the pressure put on these essential joints is compounded four times, so one extra pound of weight puts four extra pounds of pressure on them. You can also switch up your exercise routine and use heated indoor pools to take pressure off the extremities.

Keeping the joints warm on the outside is equally important. You should dress appropriately for the elements and wear layers. It has been shown that several thinner layers will keep the body warmer than one larger layer, so pile on the fabrics.

Treat

If you experience some discomfort during the cold weather seasons there are some methods you can use to alleviate some of the symptoms. Topical creams and over the counter pain medications can help provide some temporary relief and should be used with caution if you are on any other form of medication. Heat therapy like baths, heat pads, and hot tubs can be good choices as well, but should be limited to 20 minutes at a time, and less than 20 minutes if you have nerve damage or Diabetes. If you have a serious nerve condition you will want to consult a specialist in orthopedics in Suffolk County, NY, for help addressing your healthcare concerns.

If you have persistent, chronic, or considerable joint pain you should make an appointment to see a doctor of orthopedics in Suffolk County, NY, before the winter arrives so you are well prepared to combat the weather and enjoy the season.